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Cabbage white butterflies utilize two gut enzymes for maximum flexibility in deactivating mustard oil bombs

Researchers discovered that cabbage white butterfly caterpillars use two complementary enzymes for detoxification, allowing them to adapt to various cruciferous plants. The NSP and MA enzymes differ in their capacity to process different glucosinolates, enabling the caterpillars to fine-tune their detoxification mechanisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders

A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

Ethnic diversity and disparities in access to genetic testing impact prostate cancer development and treatment, research shows

Research emphasizes the importance of ethnically diverse prostate cancer genomics data and accessible genetic testing. Variations in genomic landscape of prostate cancer were observed in Chinese men compared to Western cohorts, with lower mutation rates in driver genes such as TP53 and PTEN.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 28, 2022

The exceptional case of a person who has survived 12 tumors opens up new avenues for early diagnosis and immunotherapy in cancer, say CNIO researchers

Researchers discover exceptional individual with 12 tumors, shedding light on early detection methods and immune system response. Single-cell analysis technology shows promise in identifying cells with tumor potential before symptoms appear.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateNov 2, 2022

Even good gene edits can go bad

Researchers at Rice University have developed a procedure to quantify unintended changes that accompany on-target CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, potentially threatening the efficacy and safety of therapies. The new method uses single-molecule sequencing with unique molecular identifiers to detect large deletions, insertions, and chromosomal...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study

A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

New insights into lithium’s effectiveness for bipolar disorder

A recent study identifies a specific gene, GNL3, that regulates neural proliferation in response to lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. This gene plays an important role in brain function and has been implicated in risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and inter-individual variations in intelligence.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022

Genetic testing helps detect children likely to have heart failure and require a transplant

Researchers have developed genetic testing to diagnose cardiomyopathy in children, identifying those at risk of heart failure and requiring a transplant. The test provides precise clinical diagnosis, enabling targeted treatment options and reducing the need for life-threatening interventions.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Researchers improve vehicle for delivering gene therapies to the central nervous system

A new variant of adeno-associated virus (AAV) shows significant improvement in delivering gene therapies to the central nervous system (CNS), potentially treating brain cancers and genetic diseases. The AAV variant, identified as CPP.16, demonstrates enhanced delivery efficiency across the blood-brain barrier in preclinical models.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2022

Pitt-developed genetic test for pancreatic cancer outperforms current guidelines

A new genetic test called PancreaSeq accurately classifies pancreatic cysts as potentially cancerous or benign, improving the accuracy of diagnoses compared to current guidelines. The test distinguishes between different types of cysts with higher accuracy than traditional forms of surveillance and current pancreatic cyst guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Diagnosis of a genetic cause in hundreds of people with motor neuron disease could be missed due to “arbitrary age limits and rules” on genetic testing new study shows

A new study found that arbitrary age limits and rules on genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could be missed, leading to thousands of potential cases going undetected. The researchers argue that genetic testing should be open to all patients with ALS, regardless of age or family history.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops

Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 1, 2022

Study reveals flaws in popular genetic method

A new study from Lund University reveals that the most common analytical method in population genetics is deeply flawed, leading to incorrect results and misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships. The method has been used in hundreds of thousands of studies, including medical genetics and commercial ancestry tests.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2022

New blood test for ALS promises rapid diagnosis

Researchers at Brain Chemistry Labs have developed a new blood test for ALS using microRNA sequences, which accurately discriminated between patients and healthy individuals. The test works even with varying environmental conditions, offering hope for rapid diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

New SPARK study identifies a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect and shows their links to other behavioral conditions

Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 43,000 people with autism and identified a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect. The study shows that these genes contribute to autism through inherited variants and are associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Idea of ice age 'species pump' in the Philippines boosted by new way of drawing evolutionary trees

A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

App to help doctors help patients with leukemia

Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 24, 2022

Genetic test can diagnose certain immune system disorders

Researchers developed a genetic test that diagnoses primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), revealing inherited genetic defects in nearly half of patients. The test uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific gene variants associated with PID, enabling targeted treatment and earlier intervention for family members.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Self-eliminating genes tested on mosquitoes

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a mechanism to make temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes that self-delete over time. This technology has the potential to help manage mosquito populations and prevent vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus without permanently altering wild populations' genetic makeup.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022

Five eminent female cancer researchers receive the Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers 2022 Meritorious Awards, in partnership with Pelotonia & AACR

The Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women's Cancers has awarded five female researchers for their groundbreaking work on breast and gynecologic cancers. The recipients will receive a $100,000 honorarium and be invited to participate in a broader women's cancers grant program.

Personalized testing for safety and effectiveness of common medicines must be offered throughout the health service

A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.

SourceBritish Pharmacological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine announces Carly Peterson as the recipient of the 2022 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award

Carly Peterson, a genetic counseling graduate student, received the 2022 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award. Her platform presentation explored parenting stress in raising children with sex chromosome aneuploidies, using data from the eXtraordinarY Babies Study.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Presents Four Next Generation Fellowship Awards at the 2022 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.

Staying alive, Arabian oryx style

A study has decoded the DNA of the Arabian Oryx, a vulnerable species that was on the brink of extinction. The researchers analyzed the genetic data to inform breeding programs and found moderate diversity in the population's gene pool.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 15, 2022